I have a number of free guides on my web site available for download.  I do this for a number of reasons, but the main ones are:

• To give people a sample of how I can help them with their Internet marketing programs.
• To increase signups for my newsletter and e-mail list.

The system I use to manage the auto responders is Marketer's Choice.  While people can sign up with as little as their e-mail address, I also add an option for people to leave their name, phone number and web site address if they choose.  Almost 90% of people downloading my free guides provide their name and phone number!

So, a few days after the download, I give them a call to see if they received the free guide all right and to find out what they thought about it.  These people are amazed that I call.  Apparently almost no one else takes the time to call them when they download free material from the web.  They often tell me I am the only one who cared enough to call.

This was very surprising to me.  Why go through all the time, effort and expense to set up a web site, market to bring people to your site, capture their contact information and then only add them to your e-mail list?

Why are these people so good to follow up with?

1.  They are perfect customers that I have attracted by intentionally setting up my web site and marketing program to appeal to them.

2.  They are interested enough in my products and services to download my free guides and comfortable enough in many cases to give me their name, phone number, email address, mailing address and web site address.

During the call, I ask them to tell me about their business and how they are using the Internet for marketing.  I provide them with some free feedback and advice so they are getting even more value from their budding relationship with me.

Why do I do so much for free?  Two reasons:

1.  Whatever I give, comes back to me tenfold.  Even if the person doesn't become a customer right away, I often have people become customers when they are ready months or years later.  In addition, prospects and customers tell others about me, connecting me with amazing opportunities  Most of my speaking opportunities come from people I've helped, not from other marketing and advertising!

2.  I understand my customer's needs better.  When I chat with them to find out their needs, I can often direct them to the right services and resources for them.

While I know many Internet marketing gurus focus on low cost, high volume methods of marketing by building their email lists and selling products through their lists, I find the personal touch pays off hugely.   And it shows people that I am different from others in my field.  I am the person you can actually talk to...

Garland Coulson, ?The E-Business Tutor? is an acclaimed speaker, author and coach in the field of Internet marketing for small business and home business. For more information, visit The E-Business Tutor web site at www.ebusinesstutor.com or call toll-free in North America at 1-866-413-0951.

Last Updated Sunday, December 26 2004 @ 04:44 PM CST